Vigil held in Springdale for Tri-State infants who have died

Few things can affect a family more than losing a child, and it can be even more difficult to cope with loss during the holiday season.

A candlelight vigil was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Springdale on Thursday night for families to remember their young loved ones.

This was the fifth year for the event, sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Consortium for Perinatal Loss and Grief.

"This event is for anyone who has lost a child," said consortium member and pediatric nurse, Ora Walters.

The holiday season makes it especially difficult to deal with the loss.

"We have literature there for the families to take home about getting through the holidays with grief," said Walters. "Prenatal care is number one, and sometimes its drugs and sometimes it's a cost factor that keeps some women from seeking prenatal help."

First and foremost, the expectant mother must take care of herself.

"Better nutrition and to see her doctor, those visits are very important that they follow up with their physician on a regular fashion, not late in the pregnancy," said Walters.

Free prenatal clinics are set up at University Hospital, Mercy Fairfield Hospital, Tri Health and Christ Hospital.